In a recent endeavor aimed at reshaping South Dakota’s correctional framework, Sen. Jamie Smith proposed an innovative change: to rename the Department of Corrections to explicitly reflect its commitment to rehabilitation. This bold suggestion recognizes a critical shift in the public and political discourse surrounding incarceration in the state, focusing on the importance of integrating rehabilitation into the prison system’s core functions.
The proposal, however, was met with lukewarm support during the last legislative session, leaving Sen. Smith to rally further backing. His vision was spotlighted during the final meeting of the Initial Incarceration, Reentry Analysis, and Comparison of Relevant States Interim Committee on October 29. This summer study group was established to investigate South Dakota’s prison population trends and explore opportunities for reform.
Taking place at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance building in Sioux Falls, the committee convened to discuss findings and recommendations centered around rehabilitation. The meeting served as a culmination of months-long efforts, echoing the state’s growing concern over its high recidivism rate.
According to the 2024 report from the South Dakota Department of Corrections, 43% of all adult offenders returned to prison within three years—a statistic that underscores the urgency of the committee’s mission. A significant portion of these prison admissions is attributed to technical parole violations and non-violent offenses, accounting for about 34% and contributing to the state’s ongoing challenges.
In this context, State Rep. Greg Jamison, committee co-chair, remarked, “Every legislator in the House or Senate will be supportive of making change,” signaling potential legislative strides in the upcoming session starting in January.
Rep. Tim Reisch, another key figure in the committee, emphasized the importance of vocational education, suggesting updates to GED programs and partnerships with local nonprofits to create productive work opportunities for inmates. Such initiatives, he argues, could effectively break the cycle of reoffending. “If they are sitting in a minimum-custody unit all day long … that kind of creates a habit for inmates or former inmates who are reentering a community,” Reisch noted.
State Rep. Tony Randolph proposed a fresh perspective on handling non-violent offenses and technical parole violations. His approach, alongside draft legislation, suggests a public-private partnership to bolster recidivism reduction through enhanced skills training and rehabilitation programs that align with constitutional guidelines.
Amidst these discussions, State Sen. Kevin Jensen advocated for reforming the current sentencing framework to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. “In some states, they reduced recidivism by not only adding more parole officers but also case workers,” he noted. His emphasis on a more individualized approach to reentry planning is echoed by several of his peers.
Meanwhile, Sen. Tamara Grove proposed a series of complementary measures, including state-supported therapy programs, workforce development initiatives, and the facilitation of felony expungement processes. These proposals aim to address the multifaceted needs of inmates transitioning back into society.
Sen. Smith remains optimistic about the state’s ability to implement substantive change. “I find we have a lack right now of treatment opportunities … folks aren’t getting them in a timely manner,” he observed, underscoring the need for timely access to comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Ultimately, the path forward requires bipartisan collaboration. State Rep. Kadyn Wittman emphasized this by stating that legislation introducing these reformatory efforts needs to possess “bipartisan legs” to succeed. As the legislative session approaches, South Dakota stands at a crucial juncture. The potential for impactful reform is evident, yet it hinges on the collective resolve of its lawmakers to prioritize rehabilitation within the justice system.
As discussions continue and the state’s leaders prepare for the legislative session in January, the eyes of South Dakota’s citizens—and indeed the nation—are upon them. The commitment to revamping the prison system could well define the next chapter of governance in the state, fostering a more rehabilitative and less punitive approach to corrections.